Principled. Craft brewery founder quits after AB takeover

Elysian brewery co-founder and head brewer Dick Cantwell – widely regarded as a pioneer of the US craft brewing scene – has resigned following the company’s acquisition by Anheuser Busch in January.

Quitting yesterday from the Seattle brewery, Cantwell said in an email to the Washington Beer Blogthat Elysian’s takeover by brewing giant Anheuser Busch was the reason for his departure, as he is a “craft brewer, past, present and future.”

He said, “The tenor of the deal, mainly from the point of view of my former partners and me, was such that I can’t possibly work with them into a future of any duration. My concerns were never even considered as a factor… From the start it was me against everyone else, with no regrets expressed.”

Anheuser Busch purchased Elysian in January for an undisclosed sum. Andy Goeler, CEO of AB’s craft beer division, said at the time: “Elysian’s story includes everything we look for in a partner,” continuing, “we look forward to working together”.

However, following the news of Cantwell’s resignation, Goeler has been reported in the Puget Sound Business Journal saying, “I feel fortunate that I was able to get to know and work with Dick over the past couple of months, he is a true pioneer within the craft beer industry. His input and opinions have been incredibly valuable to both me and Anheuser-Busch.”